2nd Gen Ram Tech 1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.

Continuing Brake Upgrade

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 08-18-2015, 09:01 AM
Sooper's Avatar
Sooper
Sooper is offline
Captain
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central Missouri
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Continuing Brake Upgrade

1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport 360 / Auto

I installed a 2002 1500 axle under the back of my truck. This gave me rear discs, which I love. I did this knowing I was going to, in some way, improve the front braking as well.

My 2002 rear discs, whatever is stock for a 1500, are much larger in diameter than my 1998 front rotors. This is my first question...


Is there a stock upgrade available that will involve larger front rotors that will bolt on to my stock 5 lug 1500 pattern?

I'm wondering if any of the later year 5 lug trucks came with a larger diameter rotor that I could bolt on with perhaps some larger calipers to go with it.

I just need to know the year and model, so I can do a car parts search online and just search by year and model.

Thanks.
 

Last edited by Sooper; 08-18-2015 at 11:11 AM.
  #2  
Old 08-18-2015, 11:11 AM
1997JollyGreenGiant's Avatar
1997JollyGreenGiant
1997JollyGreenGiant is offline
Record Breaker
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Somewhere in Kentucky
Posts: 1,130
Received 15 Likes on 15 Posts
Default

I'm running 2500 calipers and brakes on my 1500, stock axles, and I'm happy with that.
 
  #3  
Old 08-18-2015, 11:12 AM
Sooper's Avatar
Sooper
Sooper is offline
Captain
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central Missouri
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 1997JollyGreenGiant
I'm running 2500 calipers and brakes on my 1500, stock axles, and I'm happy with that.

Year and model? Would you mind giving me a rotor diameter?
 
  #4  
Old 08-18-2015, 12:43 PM
Ham Bone's Avatar
Ham Bone
Ham Bone is offline
Champion
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Posts: 4,072
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

My 01 1500 had dual piston calipers. Not sure what the older models had.
 
  #5  
Old 08-18-2015, 02:01 PM
1997JollyGreenGiant's Avatar
1997JollyGreenGiant
1997JollyGreenGiant is offline
Record Breaker
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Somewhere in Kentucky
Posts: 1,130
Received 15 Likes on 15 Posts
Default

Sooper,
It's a 1997 Ram 1500. I'm running stock 1500 rotors.
 
  #6  
Old 08-18-2015, 02:48 PM
Sooper's Avatar
Sooper
Sooper is offline
Captain
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central Missouri
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 1997JollyGreenGiant
Sooper,
It's a 1997 Ram 1500. I'm running stock 1500 rotors.

I mean, what year did the 2500 calipers come off of?

Also, I need larger front rotors. My 2002 rear rotors are bigger than my 1998 front rotors.
 
  #7  
Old 08-18-2015, 03:21 PM
1997JollyGreenGiant's Avatar
1997JollyGreenGiant
1997JollyGreenGiant is offline
Record Breaker
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Somewhere in Kentucky
Posts: 1,130
Received 15 Likes on 15 Posts
Default

I'm using calipers for a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 with a GVWR rating of 8800 pounds truck. The calipers are much bigger than stock.

So basically, you're looking for a 5.5in. bolt pattern rotor that's about 12.5 inches in diameter (stock 2500 rotors), instead of the stock 11.6 inches?

The 2002 1500 rear rotors are about 13.86 inches in diameter.
 

Last edited by 1997JollyGreenGiant; 08-18-2015 at 03:24 PM. Reason: 2002 brake rotor size.
  #8  
Old 08-18-2015, 03:31 PM
Sooper's Avatar
Sooper
Sooper is offline
Captain
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central Missouri
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 1997JollyGreenGiant
I'm using calipers for a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 with a GVWR rating of 8800 pounds truck. The calipers are much bigger than stock.

So basically, you're looking for a 5.5in. bolt pattern rotor that's about 12.5 inches in diameter (stock 2500 rotors), instead of the stock 11.6 inches?

The 2002 1500 rear rotors are about 13.86 inches in diameter.

Ideally the front rotors should always be bigger and stronger than the rear. I know rotor size isn't always stronger, but it certainly removes a lot of effort the front caliper is forced to use to clamp the rotor.

I like the idea of the 2500 rotor because it's a good inch bigger, but I'd love to find some that are as big or bigger.

I wonder if the hat height is the same between the front and rear.
 
  #9  
Old 08-18-2015, 04:30 PM
1997JollyGreenGiant's Avatar
1997JollyGreenGiant
1997JollyGreenGiant is offline
Record Breaker
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Somewhere in Kentucky
Posts: 1,130
Received 15 Likes on 15 Posts
Default

Yeah, I know the front rotor should be bigger than the rear, but if you go with a 14in.+ front rotor, I think you need bigger than just 2500 calipers. I wonder if the inside diameter of the wheels can be a problem at that point.

What would you think about using a 10.5AAM Axle off of a 2003+ Dodge Ram 2500? You'd have a lot more options that way.
 
  #10  
Old 08-18-2015, 04:51 PM
Sooper's Avatar
Sooper
Sooper is offline
Captain
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central Missouri
Posts: 725
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 1997JollyGreenGiant
I wonder if the inside diameter of the wheels can be a problem at that point.

What would you think about using a 10.5AAM Axle off of a 2003+ Dodge Ram 2500? You'd have a lot more options that way.

I have 2008 model 20" wheels so no issues with room.

Does that axle have a similar mounting system to the one under the front of my 1998 Ram?

I'd certainly entertain the idea, as long as it wasn't cost prohibitive to get it under the truck without too much fabrication. Would it have the same available ratios? Is it still a 5 lug?

Thanks for the time and suggestions.
 


Quick Reply: Continuing Brake Upgrade



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:05 AM.